seajunky

I would just like to put things straight. Keith has agreed to talk to Bob on the show. He has also made the offer of Bob to go into the studio to discuss the RSA-UK. Steve

Its ok for Martin Salter to say that sea anglers will be welcome in the new MCZ's, but what he has omitted to say is that anglers will not be welcome in the new MPA's (Marine protected area's)

So are we saying then that there are no gloves suitable for kayak/fishing?

Can you tell me? I don't know if I am thinking about this in the right way or not but. Neoprene is what wet suits are made from, and therefore your hands would be wet all of the time. I do understand that for neoprene to work it has to be wet. So your hand would be like shrunken proons after a fishing session, am I right or wrong?

I have read that you should dress according to the water temp, just in case you fall in. Is that right? Steve

Here is the link for the petition against article 47. The EU are proposing drastic changes to RSA by seeking to implement changes that will have devastating effects for already struggling & deprived coastal communities by placing major restrictions on Sea Angling. If allowed to happen, this will have a grave negative financial impact on the communities that depend on income generated from visiting anglers for their survival. Many jobs will be affected by the implementation of Article 47 of the proposal which seeks to treat low impact recreational fishing in the same manner as high impact commercial fisheries. Hotels, Cafés, Bars, Fuel Stations, Charter Vessel Operators, Local Shops all depend on income brought to coastal communities from visiting anglers which they can't afford to lose. The EU paper fails to show any perceived negative impact that RSA cause to our fisheries and also fails to note the positive impact they have on small communities which will suffer as a result of implementation. Please support your local communities & RSA Misinterpretation I think I am right in saying that in the EU, RSA (Recreational Sea Anglers) are people with boats who fish with nets, but are not big enough to have to register as a business. now by misinterpretation the British RSA (fisherman with rods and reels that go fishing on the beach, or from kayaks) are going to be roped in with the commercial system being created by Europe to control small scale commercial fisherman. We must not allow this to happen. FOR THE SAKE OF OUR SPORT Please sign the petition. http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/rsa-eu-proposal/[/color] Please feel free to copy and paste this article to any other forums. Steve

I think you have hit the nail on the head there mate. The X factor is a very good kayak. For me the only down side is the weight, its quite heavy to handle out of the water. One of my main considerations would have to be the initial and secondary stability. In order to make a judgement you would need to try both kayaks.

Try and get hold of some plastic the same as your kayak, You might be able to find some inside the kayak. You will have to melt it to run it into the holes, smooth over woth a hottish knife. Steve

News Release from the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust Chairmen of the major angling bodies in England have taken a major step towards a single unified body to represent all anglers. In a joint statement they said: 'We have agreed that the following bodies intend to wind up their organisations and form a single new organisation to represent all anglers. This will be subject to each organisation passing the necessary legal and financial checks - known as 'due diligence'. - Anglers' Conservation Association - National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives - National Federation of Anglers - National Federation of Sea Anglers - Salmon and Trout Association - Specialist Anglers' Alliance The transition process is being managed by the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust, the umbrella body for fisheries and angling organisations. FACT has retained legal, financial and marketing professionals to advise on the formation of the new body. Each of our organisations has contributed £10,000 to FACT to cover the new body's start-up costs, a clear indication of our commitment. In addition to funding the essential due diligence much work is needed to improve marketing and our services to members. The target date for incorporation of the new body, ie legal registration as a company, is early July with full operation by January 2009. Before then each organisation will seek approval to proceed at a general meeting - NAFAC has already done so. As Chairmen of long-established organisations with loyal members we have not taken this step lightly. However we all believe that a single new organisation is needed to fight for the interests of all anglers and the fisheries they enjoy. We have already received many messages of support for the move and look forward to a bright future.' Stephen Marsh-Smith, Chairman ACA Martin Read, Chairman NAFAC Terry Fell, Chairman NFA Richard Ferre, Chairman NFSA James Carr, Chairman STA Chris Evans, Chairman SAA No further statements are likely while the detailed due diligence and other preparatory work continues. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Further details plus Questions and Answers on the NFSA Website http://www.nfsa.org.uk/ Its a great shame that this didn't happen sooner, as the extra support for the "RSA" is desperatley needed to bolster its fight against the commercial sector in the future angling stratagies. Plus we are now starting to talk big big numbers, now let the government ignore us. Steve

If less than half of the rsa's sign the petition that would still be over 2 million names. Do you seriously think that any govenment could ignore that.

Hi Barry I have fired off letters to Defra re the RSA consutation, I also have circulated an e petition to 8 forums. I have walked aong my local coast talking to anglers making them aware of the rsa consultation period. I really am frustrated by the lack of interest from rsa anglers. I really don't think that they understand just how important the consultation period is. The Wales consultation period finished today. So watch this space. Steve

I hope you all saw what a difference an e petition can make. Just look what happened over the road charging scheme that has been put off for now because of the 1.8 million peple that signed the E-Petition. We can do the same with fishing. Please sign the "Golden mile" petition Steve

Petition for no commercial fishing within 1 mike of the shore. http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/forums/ipb_seo...1mileboundry%2F

FISHING TACKLE TRADE CONCERNED OVER UK MINISTER’S COD AND BASS DECISIONS The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) today hit out at two key decisions taken by UK Fisheries Minister Jonathan Shaw, which the association says could seriously affect recreational sea angling in the country. The minister recently refused to increase the minimum landing size for sea bass despite three years' of lobbying from EFTTA and UK organisations including the Bass Anglers' Sportfishing Society (BASS). Then last week, he agreed an immediate increase from 100kg a month to one tonne a month in the amount of cod that can be caught by small commercial fishing boats -after pressure from the newly-formed National Under Ten Metre Fishermen's Association, a small organisation that was only set up at the beginning of January 2008. (If they can do it in such a short time, then we as Recreational anglers must be able to make difference also). EFTTA president Gregg Holloway, said today: "We are surprised that a small, newly established fishermen's organisation was able to persuade fisheries ministers over cod quotas within such a short time. The sportfishing community in UK has repeatedly asked for a moderate increase of the minimum landing size for sea bass (from 36 cm to 42 cm) in an effort to save more baby bass from capture before they have the opportunity to spawn - thus securing future fish stocks. The request has been pending for more than three years. The sportfishing sector has put huge efforts and resources into this issue and recently we were very disappointed that the Fisheries Minister, Mr Shaw, turned down the previous minister's proposals to raise the landing size. EFTTA continues to be amazed by the unbalanced attention given to the two fishing sectors. The value of sportfishing has been proven to yield more in monetary terms than commercial fishing, yet all government attention and investments seem to go on commercial fishing." Bass are a slow growing and late maturing species, capable of growing to over 20lbs, living some 25 years and capable of spawning up to 15 times. But the Minister's decision means they can be harvested as baby fish at just 36cm (around just 1lb in weight) and before they have ever had the opportunity to spawn. EFTTA believes the value of recreational sea fishing for bass is worth considerably more than the commercial sector and in addition, supports thousands of businesses and livelihoods. However, increased inshore netting, as well as the development of the controversial method of pair-trawling for spawning congregations, means that anglers now rarely encounter fish of the stamp and quality which anglers most prize. Added Mr Holloway: “We would like to see more of the bigger bass in the waters as this is what the recreational sector relies on. Having more big fish also contributes to a more natural and healthier age structure in this fish stock.”

Also guys dont forget that there is a chance to win a fully loaded Manta Ray 12. The tickets to win it are free, and will be available from the northwaleskayakfishing stand. Terry (Zebra) and Kevin (Hatter3) will be giving the talks on setting up and fishing from the kayaks, both very knowledgable and interesting guys. I will be going on the Sunday, and will be hanging around our stand, so pop over and say hello. Steve